MISSION VIEJO – Just hours after being rescued, Bruno, an emaciated pit bull, curled his bony body like a puppy to fit into Casey Oliver's lap.

Oliver, director of operations for The Pet Rescue Center, found the 1-year-old dog on the medical ward at the Orange County Animal Shelter on Jan. 31. The blue-point pit bull was skin and bones. His muscles had atrophied and his body was covered in tics. The normally 70-pound-plus dog weighed 41 pounds.

"We were there to pull dogs and cats when he was shown to us," Oliver said. "Medical cases are off limits to the public and without a rescue group helping, they are basically waiting to die."

The Pet Rescue Center has a spot inside the Alicia Pet Care Center, a veterinary hospital run by Dr. Matthew Wheaton. Wheaton and his wife Blythe, residents of Laguna Beach, started the nonprofit to save and place unwanted dogs and cats. Each of the animals rescued are days or hours from being euthanized in shelters throughout Southern California. Since starting the PRC in July 2008, the group has saved 560 dogs and cats. The day Bruno was found, 10 other dogs and 11 cats (one pregnant) were rescued from the Orange County shelter.

When Bruno arrived at the animal hospital, he was fearful and shy. His tail was tucked deep between his legs and it appeared he hadn't had much human contact. Oliver bathed him and removed 20 tics. He's started to eat in small portions as his stomach gets used to having food again. In about a week, the docile and sweet dog has gained three pounds, Oliver said.

Facebook posts alerting rescuers suggested he had been tied up and left to starve. But Oliver and the veterinary staff are looking at other causes, too. One explanation could be an inflammation of the intestinal track, Oliver said.

Some symptoms for this include diarrhea, weight loss, anemia and malnutrition. Diet, intestinal infection or abnormalities in the immune system can cause the lining of the intestine to be invaded with inflammatory cells and this inflammation interferes with the ability to digest and absorb nutrients. It can be treated, but there is not an easy cure.

The only way to tell for sure is by doing surgery and take samples from Bruno's intestines. But surgery isn't an option until he becomes stronger.

"We have already begun all other diagnostic testing, including a full blood work up," Oliver said. "His blood work shows low albumin levels, which can result from IBD, pancreatitis, lymphoma or diseases of the liver. All we can do is continue to treat Bruno through his symptoms, keep checking him with lab work and hopefully get him in a better nutritional state. Although all of these possible reasons for weight loss seem grim, we have saved dogs in this state before."

If Bruno improves and his condition is treated, he could be ready for a new home in about three months. For now, he's enjoying the love and attention he's getting at the rescue center.

"Although he was labeled 'unsocial' he is so sweet," Oliver said. "He came in with his tail between his legs. Now he has 'happy tail' and is wagging it so hard it's hitting the side of the kennel."

The other 10 dogs, which include a terrier-mix, a dachshund-mix and a Chihuahua-mix, will be adoptable in about a week. There are also adult cats and kittens ready for new homes.

Bruno was rescued from the medical ward at OC Shelter on Jan. 31. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PET RESCUE CENTER
A beagle/dachshund-mix rescued from the O C shelter on Jan. 31. Available for a forever home in a week. Call 877-277-7938 PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PET RESCUE CENTER
A cat rescued from the O C shelter. The PRC rescued 11 cats and kittens on Jan. 31. They are waiting for new homes. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PET RESCUE CENTER
Bruno has gained three pounds since being rescued by The Pet Rescue Center. COURTESY OF THE PET RESCUE CENTER
Bruno is a sweet-tempered dog. He is happy to have human contact, Casey Oliver at the PRC said. COURTESY OF THE PET RESCUE CENTER
Bruno came in with his tail between his legs. Now, Casey Oliver said, he can't stop wagging it. COURTESY OF THE PET RESCUE CENTER
Chihuahua-mix, will be adoptable in about a week. There are also adult cats and kittens ready for new homes. To help Bruno or to help other animals at The Pet Rescue Center, go to thepetrescuecenter.org or call 877-277-7938. COURTESY OF THE PET RESCUE CENTER

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